|
Getting Started in Triathlon
By Julia Cantone // usolympicteam.com // April 15, 2004
Getting Started in Triathlon
If you’d like to start doing triathlons, it is best to have a goal race to train for. Start with a sprint-distance race triathlon, which usually consists of a half-mile swim, a 14-18 mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. First, go to the event calendar on the Web site and do a state search and find a sprint-distance triathlon in your area. Sign up, and make sure you purchase a $7 one-day membership to USA Triathlon. Now you have a goal. Next, make sure you have a swimsuit, bicycle and running shoes available. They do not have to be top-of-the-line, but make sure you have broken them in before the race. You might also want to pick up a book on triathlon training.
If you’re serious about triathlons, you may want to find a coach or join an official regional triathlon club.
Joining USA Triathlon
Sign up online to become a member of USA Triathlon and be eligible for insurance and rankings. You must be a member of USA Triathlon to compete in the National Championship and the International Triathlon Union's World Championships. If you are a member of a triathlon club you may be eligible for membership discounts.
Major Events
Elite, amateur (“age group”) and junior triathletes all have National and World Championships in both Olympic (short) and long distances. The junior divisions are Under-19, Under-17, and Youth. Amateurs are divided into five-year age groups (i.e. 35, 40, 45, etc.) and the Under-23 division. Duathlons, which do not include swimming, have separate championships.
How to become an Olympian
Qualifications vary from sport to sport. Please contact USA Triathlon for specific information.
Contact Information
web: USA Triathlon
email: info@USATriathlon.org
phone: 719.597.9090
|
